Parenting Teens in the Empty Nest Straddle—How Moms Can Let Go Without Losing Themselves | Ep. 165

Are you a mom navigating the wild terrain of parenting teens — where one minute they need you and the next they’re pushing you away? Then this episode will show you that you're not alone. I call this stretch of motherhood the Empty Nest Straddle™ — that long, uncertain season when you're still deeply involved in your kids' lives…while also learning to let go. It’s messy. Emotional. And completely normal. But most moms feel totally unprepared for it. In this episode, I share: Why uncertainty is the real reason this stage feels so overwhelming — and how your brain is wired to fight against it The surprising truth about confidence (and why it’s not something you have to wait to “earn”) What self-trust actually looks like in everyday moments with your teen — and how to start rebuilding it, even if you feel unsure How you can feel more grounded, present, and proud of who you are right now , without needing to control everything or fix everyone I also share parts of my own story — the hard lessons I’ve had to learn about control, fear, and trust — and how they’ve shaped my work as a coach. This episode is an invitation to come back to yourself. To stop waiting for your teen to change in order to feel okay. And to remember that even in this messy middle, you have the power to show up with calm, confidence, and clarity. ✨ Want to go deeper in this work with me? Join me for my next free masterclass: https://www.thesmalljar.com/class. 💪 Curious about coaching with Small Jar? Check out our Mom 2.0 coaching program: www.thesmalljar.com/Mom-2-0 . ❓ Have questions or want to share your feedback? I'd love to hear from you! You can email me at [email protected] . This empowering podcast offers life coaching for moms and parenting support for midlife mothers raising teens as they approach the empty nest, teaching them how to let go of control, stop overthinking, and shift their mindset, while also helping them set boundaries, improve communication, reduce anxiety, release mom guilt, and find purpose in the evolving journey of parenting teens and motherhood.